Posturing for better overall wellness. RI chiropractors recognize National Posture month

When you were a kid, how often did your mother remind you to “stand/sit up straight” or not to slouch? As part of National Correct Posture month, the Chiropractic Society of Rhode Island is reminding Ocean State residents to heed Mom’s advice for this month and beyond.

“The alignment of our spine impacts everything. So, it stands to reason that the straighter we stand and sit, the better we feel,” said said Dr. Michael Gottfried, president of the Chiropractic Society of Rhode Island and chiropractic physician at Aquidneck Chiropractic in Middletown, Rhode Island. “Unfortunately, so many people spend so much of their time sitting and staring at a computer for work that their posture suffers. That not only impacts their neck and back, but their overall well being.”

For those who have a desk job that requires a lot of sitting, Dr. Gottfried recommends a few simple steps to improve posture. For starters, make sure your work station is ergonomically sound. That means positioning your chair so you are not looking down at your computer monitor. You also want to set your keyboard so that your arms and wrists are in a comfortable position. Be sure to have a supportive and adjustable chair.

Additionally, Dr. Gottfried recommends getting up at least once an hour from your work station for a good stretch. If possible, go for a quick walk.

“It’s amazing how even a short, one-minute walk can reinvigorate the spine after an hour of sitting,” said Dr. Gottfried.

If you have the option, Dr. Gottfried recommends doing as much of your work day standing as possible. For example, working from a tall countertop for part of the day, if that’s possible. And if you’re company is willing, perhaps considering an adjustable desk that allows you to work standing or sitting.

“These strategies and good posture will help to reduce spinal stress. Coupled with regular chiropractic adjustments, you will be making great strides towards improving your health,” said Dr. Gottfried.

As one of the oldest associations of its kind, the Chiropractic Society of Rhode Island boasts nearly 50 percent of the state’s chiropractic doctors as members. If you are not currently seeing a chiropractor, you can utilize the “Find A Doctor” feature on the Chiropractic Society of Rhode Island’s website, www.richiro.org.